If reports are to be believed, one of Juventus’ best defenders could be extending his stay in Turin. The Old Lady is said to be making an effort to extend the contract of central defender Andrea Barzagli.
According to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the team has broached the subject with the Azzurri stalwart’s representatives. Monetary details haven’t been reported or released yet, but re-signing Barzagli would certainly make sense for the Bianconeri.
The defenseman, whose contract expires after this season, is an integral member of the team and coach Max Allegri’s plans.
Still key for the club
Even at 34-years-old, Barzagli remains a key player for the Old Lady. The often-underrated Italian is comfortable and adept at playing both a three-man and a four-man backline. He generally serves as Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci’s deputy in four-man groupings and starts when the team uses three defenders at the back.
Despite somewhat-inconsistent playing time, Barzagli is still a full-fledged member of the Italy setup as evidenced by Antonio Conte’s decision to call the defender up for upcoming Euro 2016 qualifying matches against Azerbaijan and Norway.
Always puts in a good shift
When Barzagli is called upon to start, he’s as competent and dependable as ever. According to WhoScored, the defender has posted a 7.05 rating when he steps in to start games in the center of defense.
Additionally, Barzagli showed surprisingly well as somewhat of a marauding defender. The defender started Juve’s 2-0 Champions League triumph over Sevilla and could often be seen running down the right flank and providing support to the attack. He provided the assist on Alvaro Morata’s opening goal and combined with Juan Cuadrado to dominate the battle on the right side of the pitch for Juve. Barzagli also started at right back for the team against Bologna, something that may become a slightly more common appearance with usual starter Stephan Lichtsteiner set to miss a month recovering from minor heart surgery.
Regardless of what defensive position he plays, Barzagli is one of the better defenders not just on the Juventus’ roster, but in Italy as a whole. Going on that, it makes sense that Juve would want to extend Barzagli’s stay in Turin.